Projects 54 GMC 1/2 ton low budget welfare build

Davy Crockett · Mar 7, 2012

hey man I got pretty much the same truck! good luck on the build.

jim yehl · Sep 12, 2018

jwhitey said: ↑

Okay, so this is gonna be my "build" thread for my first pickup project. I'm new to the board, but have been lurking around for awhile and been a member over on the JJ for a couple years now. Built my first chopper last year, and now I'm obsessed with getting my A.D. pickup roadworthy.

I've been searching around for a good solid, inexpensive project truck - as complete as possible for about a year. A random conversation with an old guy at a local car show led me to exactly what I was looking for, and turns out, this thing was hiding about 4 miles from where my parents live. The truck was hidden behind the owners house, which has been up for sale. The owner moved up north and needed to get rid the pickup, as well as a parts ch***is and cab. Got them both for a song...I was out of work for awhile last year due to getting laid off and had exhausted all my savings so I had to prioritize if I wanted this truck bad enough. Ended up selling a few motorcycle parts, my surfboard and bicycle. Cash in hand, I got the truck and had the ***le in a matter of days.

Here's how I found it.

Also got this parts truck as well. Cab is in pretty rough shape, frame has some rust, but this was supposedly purchased for the axles and has new wheel bearings, etc. Can't confirm that yet, since I haven't torn into it yet.

Loaded up on the trailer and took the parts truck to my dad's for storage and brought the 54 home.

At this point, I've got a grand total of $800 in this truck. And it's got a clean ***le. Figured I'm in very good shape considering the **** I've been finding for sale on Craigslist and the prices people have been asking. This is a pretty complete truck, no engine and ******, but all the body panels are there, interior pretty much intact.

My ultimate plan was to subframe it and drop a small block in it, rewire it, lowering blocks in the back, get the surface rust off and run it like that for awhile and just take my time and slowly restore it. I don't want a pretty or show truck. Just something reliable with a good stance that is still able to be used as a "truck."

Now, I've built a motorcycle from the frame up and knew what I wanted and how to accomplish it, but to be honest, I'm a little overwhelmed with trying to start this truck. So many options, yet so few options, because I'm doing this a little at a time on a very low budget. Here's where I need some advice.

_________________________________
The scenario:
I picked up a subframe from a 78-ish Camaro for $100. Between my buddies and I, we have the ability to install this with no problem. I've researched the pros and cons, etc. Original plan was to go with a dropped axle from Sid's but I really want IFS and disc brakes up front.

Option 1 The mill: I've got a line on a Chevy 350 with I believe a 350 transmission I can get for $500. From the same guy I bought the subframe from.

Option 2: I have a lead from another guy locally (friend of my cousin's) with a 54 Chevy pickup. He's doing a swap of his entire drivetrain. His 54 is a daily driver.

I enquired as to how much he'd let his motor and ****** go for. He's willing to give it to me if I can find him a 6 speed camaro manual ****** (T56 - I believe) for his build. (Not buy it and trade, just locate it for him.)

So, ***uming I can get this entire drivetrain for a finders fee, or even a few hundred bucks, should I go that route, or shell out the money for the small block?

If anybody has any advice, I'd like to hear it.
First thread I've started hear and already running off at the mouth.
Click to expand...

jim yehl · Sep 12, 2018

would you like some more history on your truck? I sold it to the guy in Portsmouth.

jimmy six · Sep 12, 2018

Aw man... Don't put a Chevy where a Jimmy belongs.... Guys givaway 248's and 270's...find one

Log in or Sign up

Projects 54 GMC 1/2 ton low budget welfare build

Davy Crockett
Member

from texas

jim yehl
Member

from mosheim tn

jim yehl
Member

from mosheim tn

jimmy six
ALLIANCE MEMBER

from Fountain Valley, Ca.

Share This Page

Archive

Atomic Industry

Support

Subscribe

Log in or Sign up

Projects 54 GMC 1/2 ton *low budget welfare build*

Davy Crockett Member from texas

jim yehl Member from mosheim tn

jim yehl Member from mosheim tn

jimmy six ALLIANCE MEMBER from Fountain Valley, Ca.

Share This Page

Useful Searches

Archive

Atomic Industry

Support

Subscribe

Projects 54 GMC 1/2 ton low budget welfare build

Davy Crockett
Member

from texas

jim yehl
Member

from mosheim tn

jim yehl
Member

from mosheim tn

jimmy six
ALLIANCE MEMBER

from Fountain Valley, Ca.